Theatre and Culture from Scotland, starring The List's Theatre Editor, his performance persona and occasional guest stars. Experimental writings, cod-academic critiques and all his opinions, stolen or original.

Wednesday, 3 June 2015

Vertical Influences, a contemporary ice-skating double-bill

The Canadian iconoclastic ice skaters return to the Fringe with a new double-bill sharing their signature mix of movement, wit, speed and grace. In Influences, the performers play with how our body language can influence others, even with just a glance.

In the second piece, Vertical, audiences are invited to view a pure and intense glide performance up close, with seating on the ice. The virtuosity of award-winning figure skating joyfully meets the attitude of street dance and the sophistication of contemporary performance.

The research behind this show was supported by the Jerwood Studio at Sadler's Wells Theatre. Vertical Influences is a co-production of Dance Umbrella Festival (UK), Théâtre de la Ville de Paris (France) and the National Arts Centre(Canada). The choreography is a collective creation of the 5 founders of Le Patin Libre. The music was composed by one of them, Jasmin Boivin, also a cello virtuoso, DJ and composer. Ruth Little (Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Akram Khan) contributed the movement dramaturgy of Vertical Influences. Lucy Carter (Wayne McGregor) created the lighting design of both pieces.

Absurd opinions, extended reviews, random press releases from The Arts, half baked ideas, unsuccessful experiments with the format of criticism. Brought to you by the host of The Vile Arts Radio Hour and former Theatre Editor of The Skinny, now working with The List